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09/04/2004
US-backed Fallujah ceasefire breaks down
An attempt by US forces to install a ceasefire in Fallujah – a city ravaged by six days of heavy fighting – appears to have failed.
According to reports emerging from the area today the ceasefire, which was due to begin at 12pm local time, broke down within around 90 minutes. It is not clear which side breached the ceasefire, but a US army commander has been reported as saying that hostilities have now resumed.
Earlier today, the US administrator in Iraq Paul Bremer issued a statement indicating that the Coalition forces would initiate a "unilateral suspension of offensive operations" in order to hold a meeting between members of the Interim Governing Council, Fallujah leadership and leaders of the anti-coalition forces.
However, the main aim of the ceasefire was primarily to bring relief aid to the beleaguered inhabitants and to allow residents to tend to wounded and dead.
The statement added: "During this suspension period, Coalition forces retain the inherent right of self defense, and will remain fully prepared to resume offensive operations unless significant progress in these discussions occurs."
The battle around Fallujah has so far claimed around 300 Iraqi lives – more than 500 people are reported to have been injured. Militia loyal to the cleric Moqtada Al Sadr have attempted to seize a number of towns around central Iraq, and fighting is continuing.
The US has vowed to continue to pursue its aggressive operations in an effort to break the will of resistance fighters.
Yesterday, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez said that coalition military forces "will conduct powerful, deliberate, very robust military operations until the job is done.
He added: "Let there be no doubt we will continue the attacks until Sadr's influence is eliminated and Sadr's militia is no longer a threat to Iraq and its citizens."
(gmcg)
According to reports emerging from the area today the ceasefire, which was due to begin at 12pm local time, broke down within around 90 minutes. It is not clear which side breached the ceasefire, but a US army commander has been reported as saying that hostilities have now resumed.
Earlier today, the US administrator in Iraq Paul Bremer issued a statement indicating that the Coalition forces would initiate a "unilateral suspension of offensive operations" in order to hold a meeting between members of the Interim Governing Council, Fallujah leadership and leaders of the anti-coalition forces.
However, the main aim of the ceasefire was primarily to bring relief aid to the beleaguered inhabitants and to allow residents to tend to wounded and dead.
The statement added: "During this suspension period, Coalition forces retain the inherent right of self defense, and will remain fully prepared to resume offensive operations unless significant progress in these discussions occurs."
The battle around Fallujah has so far claimed around 300 Iraqi lives – more than 500 people are reported to have been injured. Militia loyal to the cleric Moqtada Al Sadr have attempted to seize a number of towns around central Iraq, and fighting is continuing.
The US has vowed to continue to pursue its aggressive operations in an effort to break the will of resistance fighters.
Yesterday, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez said that coalition military forces "will conduct powerful, deliberate, very robust military operations until the job is done.
He added: "Let there be no doubt we will continue the attacks until Sadr's influence is eliminated and Sadr's militia is no longer a threat to Iraq and its citizens."
(gmcg)
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08 April 2004
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
Hundreds killed as US troops battle with Iraqi militants
More than 35 US soldiers and 450 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in country-wide clashes between rebel militias and Coalition forces since the weekend, according to reports emerging from Iraq today. Around 300 Iraqis are thought to have been killed in Fallujah where US forces have been attempting to regain control of the city.
28 April 2004
Coalition forces engage rebels in Fallujah
In one of the fiercest exchanges since the end of the war in Iraq, insurgents in the city of Fallujah have come under sustained bombardment by US forces. In one of their most intensive uses of firepower, American tanks and aircraft have pounded the rebel forces in the city.
Coalition forces engage rebels in Fallujah
In one of the fiercest exchanges since the end of the war in Iraq, insurgents in the city of Fallujah have come under sustained bombardment by US forces. In one of their most intensive uses of firepower, American tanks and aircraft have pounded the rebel forces in the city.
10 November 2004
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting. Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
Coalition forces claim control over two-thirds of Fallujah
US forces are now in control of around two-thirds of Fallujah following a third day of fierce street fighting. Marines have encountered pockets of strong resistance but have managed to gain control over several key landmark buildings in the city, including a number of bridges and the mayor's compound.
09 September 2003
Tories seek answers on Iraq ‘shambles’
Plans revealed yesterday by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to send another 1,200 British soldiers to bolster operations in Iraq have been slammed by Tories. Conservatives have described the Government’s policy as a “shambles” and will be pressing ministers today on what detailed plans are in place to reconstruct post-war Iraq.
Tories seek answers on Iraq ‘shambles’
Plans revealed yesterday by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to send another 1,200 British soldiers to bolster operations in Iraq have been slammed by Tories. Conservatives have described the Government’s policy as a “shambles” and will be pressing ministers today on what detailed plans are in place to reconstruct post-war Iraq.
24 April 2003
Bulk of UK ground forces to return home
British armed forces in the Gulf region are set to be withdrawn, according to reports emerging today. It has been reported that a brigade of the Royal Commandos and the 16th Air Assault Brigade will be sent home in the coming weeks – although no firm departure date has been revealed. The 7th Armoured Brigade will remain in situ.
Bulk of UK ground forces to return home
British armed forces in the Gulf region are set to be withdrawn, according to reports emerging today. It has been reported that a brigade of the Royal Commandos and the 16th Air Assault Brigade will be sent home in the coming weeks – although no firm departure date has been revealed. The 7th Armoured Brigade will remain in situ.
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